As John Hieftje read from a prepared script, the Ann Arbor mayor had underlined the word "together" in his post-primary speech in an election that has brought the council back to his corner.

"This is a victory for the city," Hieftje said as word came that the three candidates he supported had won their Democratic primary election and one of his critics - incumbent Stephen Kunselman - had been beaten by a fourth candidate. "We have elected five council members with a big-picture vision of the future of Ann Arbor. ... They have the ability to work together to see it through."

Hieftje won his primary against Tom Wall, securing about 70 percent of the vote.

Although most the politicians at Hieftje's celebration downtown danced around the issue, Tuesday's victories are expected to lead to a less contentious council as Sandi Smith in the 1st Ward, Tony Derezinski in the 2nd Ward, Christopher Taylor in the 3rd Ward, Carsten Hohnke in the 5th Ward are all supporters of the more veteran council members.

Incumbent Margie Teall was unopposed for re-election in the 4th Ward.

The candidates supported by the Progressives of Washtenaw have been critical of the established, veteran council.

Those Progressive-backed candidates included Vivienne Armentrout in the 5th Ward, incumbent Steve Kunselman in the 3rd Ward and write-in Patricia Lesko in the 1st Ward.

First Ward Council Member Ron Suarez - another Progressive-supported candidate - was on the ballot but had announced he would not campaign and could not serve, instead backing Lesko.

Alan Warren | The Ann Arbor NewsChristopher Taylor is congratulated by friend Annie Rubin for his win in the 3rd Ward.

Stewart Nelson, a 2nd Ward candidate, has also been critical of city officials on several issues and was defeated.

"A big part of the message was working collaboratively and building a consensus," Hohnke said. "It's finding ways to work together. We are in a great position to reach forward as a city."

Kunselman said the elections came down to money.

Taylor, Hohnke, Derezinski and Smith had raised a combined $26,000 more than the four candidates that were defeated.

Kunselman was outraised $12,385 to $2,150.

"My opponent spent big dollars against me," said Kunselman. "I refuse to go to those lengths. That's not what City Council should be about is who can buy the election. It took a lot of money to take me down. I feel good about that."